Web processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A web processor wherein a towbar and chain-drive assembly is adapted to engage a leading web end at a predetermined location and draw a web so engaged along a feed path extending above and in the same direction as that of a processing solution applicator track. The leading web is positioned for engagement with the towbar by a first web drive of the processor which advances such end from a web supply source to the predetermined location. Since the first web drive advances an engaged web at a faster speed than the web drawing speed of the chain-drive, a web portion extending between the first web drive and the towbar will sag into the processing solution applicator track. Accordingly, the sagging web portion will be drawn by the towbar and chain-drive assembly along the processing solution applicator track without exposing the towbar to processing solution in such track. A second web drive of the processor is disposed downstream from the processing solution applicator track to disengage the leading web end from the towbar by advancing such end at a faster speed than the web drawing speed of the chain-drive.

United States Patent Foor et al.

[4 1 Aug. 1,1972

[54] WEB PROCESSING APPARATUS [72] Inventors: Sanford Wayne Foor; John F. Egan,

both of Rochester, NY.

[73] Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company,

Rochester, NY.

[22] Filed: May 26, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 147,002

[52] U.S. Cl ..226/92 [51] Int. Cl. ..G03b 1/56 [58] Field of Search ..226/91, 92; 214/ l-7 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,619,050 11/1971 Swanke ..226/92 Primary Examiner-Allen N. Knowles Attorney-W. H. J. Kline and Roger A. Fields [5 7] ABSTRACT track. The leading web is positioned for engagement with the towbar by a first web drive of the processor which advances such end from a web supply source to the predetermined location. Since the first web drive advances an engaged web at a faster speed than the web drawing speed of the chaindrive, a web portion extending between the first web drive and the towbar will sag into the processing solution applicator track. Accordingly, the sagging web portion will be drawn by the towbar and chain-drive assembly along the processing solution applicator track without exposing the towbar to processing solution in such track. A second web drive of the processor is disposed downstream from the processing solution applicator track to disengage the leading web end from the towbar by advancing such end at a faster speed than the web drawing speed of the chain-drive.

13 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAUB' 1 m2 sum 1 or 5 SANFORD W. FOOR JOHN F. EGAN ATORNEYS PATENTEDws H 1 3,680,755

SHEET 2 BF 5 SANFORD W. FOOR JOHN F. EGAN INVENTORS 0 m, Q.

ATTORNEYS PATENTEUAUB 1 1972 SHEET 3 [IF 5 SANFORD w. FOOR JOHN F. EGAN ATTORNEYS PATENTEDAus 1 m2 SHEET 4 OF 5 SANFORD w. FOOB JOHN F. EGAN mvmox ATTORNEYS mdE PATENTEDAUB 1 1912 SHEET 5 BF 5 FIG] SANFORD W. FOOR JOHN F. EGAN INVENTORS g 43744 BY ATTORNEYS WEB PROCESSING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to web processing apparatus and, more particularly, to a web handling or threading arrangement in such apparatus.

2. Description of the Prior Art In apparatus for processing web material, such as exposed photographic film on which a latent image is recorded, the web material frequently undergoes a change in form or chemical composition upon immersion in a processing solution, such as developer. Generally, the processing solution is of the kind including properties which tend to have a wearing or destructive effect on a web handling or threading mechanism of apparatus should droplets of the processing solution be deposited on such mechanism. Accordingly, the advantages of a web processing apparatus wherein few or no members of the web handling or threading mechanism are exposed to the processing solution can be readily appreciated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved web processing apparatus.

It is anotherobject of the present invention to provide a web processing apparatus including an improved web handling or threading arrangement.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a web processing apparatus wherein the members of a web handling or threading mechanism of such apparatus are not exposed to processing solution.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed hereinafter a web processor wherein a towbar and chain-drive assembly is adapted to engage a leading web end at a predetermined location and draw a web so engaged along a feed path extending above and in the same direction as that of a processing solution applicator track. The leading web end is positioned for engagement with the towbar by a first web drive of the processor which advances such end from a web supply source to the predetermined location. Since the first web drive advances an engaged web at a faster speed than the web drawing speed of the chaindrive, a web portion extending between the first web drive and the towbar will sag into the processing solution applicator track. Accordingly, the sagging web portion will be drawn by the towbar and chain-drive assembly along the processing solution applicator track without exposing the towbar to processing solution in such track. A second web drive of the processor is disposed downstream from the processing solution applicator track to disengage the leading web end from the towbar by advancing such end at a faster speed than the web drawing speed of the chain-drive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above-mentioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of such invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a planview, partially in section, of a web handling arrangement in a web processor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 and Bare fragmentary plan views of the web processor illustrated in FIG. I and a web supply source, respectively showing the manner in which a leading web end is advanced from such source and engaged by a towbar;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the web processor illustrated in FIG. 1 and a web supply source, showing the manner in which a sag is effected in a web portion which trails a leading web end engaged by the towbar;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the web processor illustrated in FIG. 1 and a web supply source, showing the manner in which a sagging web portion is successively advanced from a processing solution application track to a washing solution applicator track;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of the web processor illustrated in FIG. 1, showing the manner in which a leading web end is advanced to a web take-up after being disengaged from the towbar;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mechanism for disengaging a leading web end from the towbar and, thereafter, advancing such end to the web take-up; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit for the web handling arrangement in the web processor.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a web processor generally indicated by the reference numeral 1. The web processor 1 is provided with a pair of substantially parallel guide rails 2 and 3 and a normally opened start switch 4 including a feeler member or switch element 5 which extends adjacent the guide rail 3. If a web supply source, such as a web bearing cartridge C, should be received between the guide rails 2 and 3 so as to abut against the feeler member 5 and close the switch 4 in the manner shown by FIG. 2, a drive motor 6 and a first solenoid 7 of the web processor 1 will be energized. Upon energization of the first solenoid 7, a plunger member 8 of such solenoid will be moved inwardly from a normally extended position shown in FIG. 1 to a retracted position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. whereupon, a bar 9 which is pivotally coupled to the solenoid plunger 8 by a pin 10 will be pivoted about a bar support shaft 11 from an idle position shown in FIG. 1 to an operative position A shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and a finger member 12 of the solenoid plunger will serve to pivot a plate 13 against the urging of a helical tension spring 14 about a plate support shaft 15 from an idle position shown in FIG. 1 to an operative position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

As can be seen in FIG. 2 the drive motor 6, when energized as previously described, serves to rotate a drive roller 16 on the bar 9 in a clockwise direction generally indicated by the arrow 17. Since the drive roller 16 will be disposed in peripheral abutting relation with an idler roller 18 of the web processor 1 upon movement of the bar 9 to the operative position shown in FIG. 2, a free leading end L of web material W wound within the received cartridge C will be sandwiched between the drive and idler rollers and advanced outwardly from such cartridge. Moreover, since a normally opened web sensing switch 19 on the plate 13 has heretofore been moved with the plate to the operative position shown in FIG. 2, the advanced leading web end L will abut against a feeler member or switch element 20 of the web sensing switch so as to close such switch in the manner shown by FIG. 3.

Upon closing of the web sensing switch 19 as shown by FIG. 3, a second solenoid 21 of the web processor 1 will be energized. Whereupon, a plunger member 22 of the second solenoid will be moved inwardly from a normally extended position shown in FIG. 2 to a retracted position shown in FIG. 3, and an arm 23 which is pivotally coupled to the second solenoid plunger by a pin 24 will be pivoted against the urging of a helical tension spring 25 about an arm support shaft 26 from an idle position shown in FIG. 2 to an operative position shown in FIG. 3. In the operative position, a fingerlike extension 27 of the arm 23 engages a rotatably supported gear wheel 28 on the bar 9. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the gear wheel 28 interconnects the drive motor 6 and the drive roller 16 via slip clutches 29 and 30 for rotation of the drive roller upon energization of the drive motor. However, when engaged by the arm extension 27, the gear wheel 28 prevents rotation of the drive roller 16 by the drive motor 6 but permits the drive roller to idle by means of the slip clutch 30. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the leading web end L will be advanced from the received cartridge C to the web sensing switch 19 and, thereafter, will be stationarily located at such switch upon engagement of the gear wheel 28 by the arm extension 27.

Moreover, upon closing of the web sensing switch 19 in the foregoing manner, an electromagnetic clutch 31 located between the drive motor 6 and a drive sprocket wheel 32 of the web processor 1 will be actuated for rotation of such wheel by the drive motor in a clockwise direction generally indicated by the arrow 33 (see FIG. 4). Since a continuous sprocket chain 34 extends in engaged relation partially about the drive sprocket wheel 32 and an idler sprocket wheel 35, rotation of the drive sprocket wheel in the illustrated clockwise direction will serve to move the sprocket chain in a direction generally indicated by the arrow 36 (see FIG. 4). Accordingly, towbar 37 which is secured to the sprocket chain 34 will be moved with such chain from an idle position, wherein the towbar is abutted against a feeler member or switch element 38 of a normally closed chain-actuation-sensing switch 39 as shown in FIG. 1, to an operative position, wherein the towbar has moved past the chain-actuation-sensing switch to engage the leading web end L (by means of an opening in such end) as shown in FIG. 3. It should be noted, for purposes to become apparent hereinafter, that the chain-actuation-sensing switch 39 is opened by the towbar 37 when the towbar is abutted against the feeler member 38 and is closed when the towbar is spaced from such switch. After engagement of the towbar 36 with the leading web end L, the towbar and engaged web end are drawn by the sprocket chain 34 along a path which is disposed above and extends in the same direction as a processing solution applicator track 40 and a washing solution applicator track 41 of the web processor 1, see FIG. 4.

Moreover, upon closing of the web sensing switch 19 in the foregoing manner, DC voltage will be applied across a first relay 42. Such voltage originates from a source which is not shown. As will become significant hereinafter when considering the electrical circuit shown in FIG. 8 and further operational details of the web processor 1, the first relay 42, as well as a second relay 43, are of the time delay variety. That is to say, the first and second relays 42 and 43 will not be energized at the instant of application of DC voltage respectively thereacross but, instead, will be energized after a predetermined time interval has elapsed after such application of DC voltage.

Considering now further operation details of the web processor 1, when the towbar 37 and the leading web end L have been drawn by the sprocket chain 34 from the web sensing switch 19 to a location slightly above the processing solution applicator track 40 as shown in FIG. 4, the first relay 42 will be energized. Whereupon, DC voltage will be applied across the second relay 43 and the second solenoid 21 will be deenergized. Accordingly, the arm 23 will be pivoted from the operative position shown in FIG; 3 to the idle position shown in FIG. 4, and the drive roller 16 will again be rotated by the drive motor 6. Since the drive roller 16 is rotated by the drive motor 6 at a faster peripheral speed than the web drawing speed of the towbar 37 and the sprocket chain 34, a web portion W extending between the towbar and the drive and idler rollers 16 and 17 will sag into the processing solution applicator track 40. In this way, the web portion W will be moved into the processing solution applicator track 40 without exposing the towbar 37 to processing solution (not shown) in such track.

After the sagging web portion W has been drawn along the processing solution applicator track 40 by the towbar 37 and the sprocket chain 34, such portion will be drawn by the same means into the washing solution applicator track 41. When the towbar 37 and the leading web end L are disposed at a location slightly above the washing solution applicator track 41 as shown in FIG. 5, the second relay 43 will be energized and the first solenoid 7 will be deenergized. Whereupon, the bar 9 will be pivoted from the operative position shown in FIG. 4 to the idle position shown in FIG. 5 so as to separate the drive and idler rollers 16 and 18. Accordingly, the web material W will no longer be advanced from the received cartridge C by the drive and idler rollers 16 and 18 but will continue to be drawn in a direction generally indicated by the arrow 36 by the towbar 37 and the sprocket chain 34. Moreover, as the drive and idler rollers 16 and 18 are now disposed in spaced relation, no hold-back tension will be asserted on the sagging web portion W.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, the leading web end L will be drawn by the towbar 37 and the sprocket chain 34 through a web drier 44 (the details of which are not embodied in the present invention) and, thence, to an assembly 45 for disengaging the leading web end from the towbar and for advancing the leading web end, when so disengaged, to a web take-up device 46 (the details of which are not embodied in the present invention). As can best be seen in FIG. 7, the assembly 45 is provided with a pair of substantially parallel drive rollers 47 and 48 which are supported on a drive roller shaft 49 for synchronous rotation by the drive motor 6 in a counterclockwise direction generally indicated by the arrow 50. The drive rollers 47 and 48 are respectively held in peripheral abutment (by means not shown) against a pair of substantially parallel idler rollers 51 and 52 which are supported for rotation on an idler roller shaft 53. As shown in FIG. 6, a gearing mechanism 54 is disposed between the drive motor 6 and the drive roller shaft 49 to cause the drive rollers 47 and 48 to be rotated by the drive motor at a faster peripheral speed than the web drawing speed of the towbar 37 and the sprocket chain 34. Therefore, when the leading web end L is moved between the drive and idler rollers 47, 48, 51 and 52, such end will be disengaged from the towbar 37 and advanced by the same rollers into a web guide track 55 which extends to the web take-up device 46. The towbar 37, when disengaged from the leading web end L, will be moved with the sprocket chain 34 over an idler roller 56 which is disposed between the idler rollers 51 and 52 and supported (by means not shown) for rotation independent of such rollers. Thereafter, the towbar 37 will be moved with sprocket chain 34 to the idle position shown in FIG. 6, wherein the towbar is abutted against the feeler member 38 of the chain-actuation-sensing switch 39 so as to open such switch. Upon opening of the chain-actuation-sensing switch 39, the electromagnetic clutch 31 will be deeactuated and the towbar 36 and the sprocket chain 34 will come to rest in the manner shown by FIG. 6.

Continued advancement of the web material W from the received cartridge C. through the processing and washing solution applicator tracks 40 and 41 and the web drier 44, to the web take-up device 46 is effected by the drive and idler rollers 47, 48, 51 and 52. As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the advancing web material W is moved over idler rollers 57 and 58 which are respectively disposed about the drive and idler sprocket wheels 32 and 35 and are supported (by means not shown) for rotation independent of such wheels. When the entire length of web material W has been advanced to the web take-up device 46, the received cartridge C may be removed from the web processor 1. Whereupon, the start switch 4 will open and the drive motor 6 and the first and second relays 42 and 43 will be deenergized.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown an electrical circuit for effecting the operational details of the web processor 1 as described hereinbefore. The circuit includes a pair of contact terminals 61 and 62 which are coupled to a source (not shown) of DC voltage in a manner such that, when the start switch 4 is closed upon receipt of a cartridge C between the guide rails 2 and 3 of the web processor 1, DC voltage will be applied across the drive motor 6 so as to energize such motor. At the same time, an electrical circuit path will be completed from the DC voltage source, through the normally closed second relay contacts 43-1, to the first solenoid 7 for energization of such solenoid. Thereafter, when the leading web end L is advanced from the received cartridge C to a location whereat such end closes the web sensing switch 19 as previously described, an electrical circuit path will be completed from the DC voltage source, through normally closed second relay contacts 43-2, to a third relay 63 for energization of such relay. Upon energization of the third relay 63, normally opened third relay contacts 63-1 and 63-2 will be respectively closed.

When closed, the third relay contacts 63-2 permits the application of DC voltage across a solenoid 31-1, disposed within the electromagnetic clutch 31, so as to energize the clutch solenoid and, thereby, actuate the electromagnetic clutch. As previously described, actuation of the electromagnetic clutch 31 serves to move the sprocket chain 34 and the towbar 37 from the idle position shown in FIG. 1; whereupon, the chain-actuation-sensing switch 39 is allowed to close. Upon closing of the chain-actuation-sensing switch 39, an electrical circuit path will be completed from the DC voltage source to the clutch solenoid 31-1, thereby providing an electrical holding circuit for the clutch solenoid which prevents deenergization of such solenoid when the third relay 63 is subsequently deenergized as will be described below.

When closed, the third relay contacts 63-1 permits the application of DC voltage across the second solenoid 21, since the first relay contacts 42-1 are normally closed, and across the first relay 42. Accordingly, the second relay 21 will be energized. However, as previously described, the first relay 42 is of the time delay variety and will not be energized so as to cause the first relay contacts 42-1, 42-2 and 42-3 to change their respective states until a predetermined time interval has elapsed after the application of DC voltage across the first relay. This time interval is chosen to effect deenergization of the second solenoid 21 when the leading web end L is located slightly above the processing solution applicator track 40 as shown in FIG. 4.

Upon energization of the first relay 42, the normally closed first relay contacts 42-1 will open so as to deenergize the second solenoid 21, and the normally opened first relay contacts 42-2 and 42-3 will close so as to permit the application of DC voltage across the second relay 43 and to provide an electrical holding circuit which maintains energization of the first relay and the second relay (when energized) until the start switch 4 is opened. As previously stated, the second relay 43 is of the time delay variety and will not be energized so as to cause the second relay contacts 431 and 43-2 to change their respective states until a predetermined time interval has elapsed after the application of DC voltage across the second relay. This time interval is chosen to effect deenergization of the first solenoid 7 when the leading web end L is located slightly above the washing solution applicator track 41 as shown in FIG. 5. When the second relay 43 is energized, the second relay contacts 43-1 and 43-2 will be simultaneously opened; whereupon the first solenoid 7 and the third relay 63 will be respectively deenergized.

When the third relay 63 is deenergized, the third delay contacts 63-1 and 63-2 are opened. However, the

first and second relays 42 and 43 remain energized via will be deenergized. At this time, the members of the web processor 1 described hereinbefore are arranged as shown in FIG. 1.

It will now be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that the web processor 1 includes an improved web handling arrangement wherein the members of such arrangement will not be exposed to processing solution (not shown) in the processing solution applicator track 40 during operation of the web processor.

The present invention has been described in considerable detail with particular reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of such invention.

We claim:

1. In an apparatus for processing a web of the kind provided with an engageable leading end, a web handling arrangement comprising:

means for advancing the leading end of such a web to a predetermined location;

means defining a processing solution applicator track for receiving such a web;

means actuatable for engaging, at said predetermined location, the leading end of such a web and for drawing a web so engaged along said processing solution applicator track; and

means for actuating said engaging and drawing means upon the leading end of such a web being advanced to said predetermined location.

2. A web handling arrangement as recited in claim 1, wherein said engaging and drawing means includes:

a towbar for engaging the leading end of such a web;

a chain-drive secured to said towbar for drawing an engaged web along said processing solution applicator track; and drive means coupled to said chain-drive. 3. A web handling arrangement as recited in claim 2, wherein said actuating means includes:

a feeler member for detecting the leading end of such a web at said predetermined location;

means for mounting said feeler member for movement between a web detecting position, wherein said feeler member is disposed at said predetermined location, and an idle position, wherein said feeler member is spaced from such a web; and

means for moving said feeler member from said web detecting position to said idle position after said feeler member detects the leading end of such a web at said predetermined location.

4. In an apparatus for processing a web of the kind provided with an engageable leading end, a web handling arrangement comprising:

means for advancing the leading end of such a web to a first predetermined location;

means defining a processing solution applicator track for receiving such a web;

means actuatable for engaging, at said first predetermined location, the leading end of such a web and for drawing a web so engaged along said processing solution applicator track;

means for actuating said engaging and drawing means upon the leading end of such a web being advanced to said first predetermined location;

lll

means for disengaging, from said engaging means, an engaged web which is drawn along said processing solution applicator track and for moving a web so disengaged to a second predetermined location;

means for deactuating said engaging and drawing means after an engaged web is disengaged from said engaging said engaging means; and

web take-up means disposed at said second predetermined location.

5. A web handling arrangement as recited in claim 4, wherein said engaging and drawing means includes:

a towbar for engaging the leading end of such a web;

a chain secured to said towbar for drawing an engaged web along said process solution applicator track; and

drive means coupled to said chain for moving said chain and said towbar at a first speed, and wherein said disengaging and moving means includes:

an idler roller having a peripheral groove for receiving said towbar and said chain;

a drive roller;

means for supporting said idler roller and said drive roller in peripheral abutting relation to receive an engaged web, said towbar and said chain between said idler roller and said drive roller; and drive means for rotating said drive roller at a second speed developing a peripheral velocity which is greater than said first speed, whereby the leading end of an engaged web can be disengaged from said towbar. 6. In an apparatus for processing a web, a web handling arrangement comprising:

means actuatable for advancing a web, at a first speed, alongside a first predetermined location;

means actuatable for moving a web, at a second speed which is less than said first speed, from said first predetermined location to a second predetermined location;

means for actuating said advancing means and said moving means in a manner effecting a sag in a portion of a web which extends between said advancing means and said moving means; and

means defining a processing solution applicator track for receiving a portion of a web in which a sag is effected by said actuating means.

7. In an apparatus for processing a web of the kind provided with a leading end, a web handling arrangement comprising:

means actuatable for advancing such a web, at first speed, to a first predetermined location;

first means for actuating said advancing means;

means for deactuating said advancing means upon the leading end of such a web being advanced to said first predetermined location;

means for moving such a web, at a second speed which is less than said first speed, from said first predetermined location to a second predetermined location;

second means for actuating said advancing means upon the leading end of such a web being moved from said first predetermined location to said second predetermined location and for, thereby, effecting a sag in a portion of a web which extends between said advancing means and said second predetermined location; and

means defining a processing solution applicator track for receiving a portion of a web in which a sag is effected by said second actuating means.

8. In an apparatus for processing a web of the kind provided with an engageable leading end, a web handling arrangement comprising:

means actuatable for advancing such a web along a first feed path, at a first speed, to a first predetermined location;

first means for actuating said advancing means;

means for deactuating said advancing means upon the leading end of such a web being advanced along said first feed path to said first predetermined location; means for engaging, at said first predetermined location, the leading end of such a web and for drawing a web so engaged along a second feed path, at a second speed which is less than said first speed, to a second predetermined location;

second means for actuating said advancing means upon the leading end of an engaged web being drawn along said second feed path to said second predetermined location and for, thereby, effecting a sag in a portion of an engaged web which extends between said advancing means and said second predetermined location; and

means defining a processing solution applicator track, disposed substantially parallel to said second feed path, for receiving a portion of an engaged web in which a sag is effected by said second actuating means. 9. A web handling arrangement as recited in claim 8, wherein said engaging and drawing means includes:

a towbar for engaging the leading end of such a web; a chain-drive secured to said towbar for pulling said towbar and an engaged web along said second feed path to said second predetermined location; and

drive means coupled to said chain-drive for moving said chain-drive and said towbar at said second speed. 10. A web handling arrangement as recited in Claim 9, wherein said deactuating means includes:

a feeler member for detecting the leading end of such a web at said first predetermined location;

means for mounting said feeler member for movement between a web detecting position, wherein said feeler member is disposed at said first predetermined location, and an idle position, wherein said feeler member is spaced from said first feed path; and

means for moving said feeler member from said web detecting position to said idle position after said feeler member detects the leading end of such a web at said first predetermined location.

11. In an apparatus for processing a web of the kind provided with an engageable leading end, a web handling arrangement comprising:

means actuatable for advancing such a web along a first feed path, at a first speed, to a first predetermined location;

first means for actuating said advancing means;

first means for deactuating said advancing means upon the leading end of such a web being advanced along said first feed path to said first predetermined location;

means for engaging, at said first predetermined location, the leading end of such a web and for drawing a web so engaged along a second feed path, at a second speed which is less than said first speed, to a second predetermined location;

second means for actuating said advancing means upon the leading end of an engaged web being drawn along said second feed path to said second predetermined location and for, thereby, effecting a sag in a portion of an engaged web which extends between said advancing means and said second predetermined location;

means defining a processing solution applicator track, disposed substantially parallel to said second feed path, for receiving a portion of an engaged web in which a sag is efiected by said second actuating means;

second means for deactuating said advancing means after said second actuating means effects a sag in a portion of an engaged web;

means for disengaging, from said engaging means, an engaged web in which a sag is efiected by said second actuating means and for moving a web so disengaged along a third feed path to a third predetermined location; and

web take-up means disposed at said third predetermined location.

12. A web handling arrangement as recited in claim 1 1, wherein said engaging and drawing means includes:

a towbar for engaging the leading end of such a web;

a chain secured to said towbar for pulling said towbar and an engaged web along said second feed path to said second predetermined location; and

drive means coupled to said chain for moving said chain and said towbar at said second speed, and wherein said disengaging and moving means includes:

an idler roller having a peripheral groove for receiving said towbar and said chain;

a drive roller;

means for supporting said idler roller and said drive roller in peripheral abutting relation to receive an engaged web, said towbar and said chain between said idler roller and said drive roller; and

drive means for rotating said drive roller at a third speed developing a peripheral velocity which is greater than said second speed, whereby the leading end of an engaged web can be disengaged from said towbar.

13. A web handling arrangement as recited in claim 1 1, wherein said advancing means includes:

two rollers;

means for mounting one of said rollers for movement toward and away from the other of said rollers between a web advancing position, wherein said rollers are disposed in peripheral abutting relation, and an idle position, wherein said rollers are disposed in spaced relation; and

drive means for rotating one of said rollers at a third speed developing a peripheral velocity which is equal to said first speed, and wherein said second deactuating means includes:

means for moving one of said rollers away from the other of said rollers from said web advancing position to said idle position.

UNITED'STA'I'ES YA'ILPU UIIlbL- CERTIFICATE. OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,680,755 Dated August 1, 1972 Inventor) Sanford Wayne Foor & John' F. Egan It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that 'said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

11 1 the Abstract, line 6, after "web" insert "end".

Column 6, line 55, delete "delay" and change to .-relay---.

Columrl 8, line l4, change "process" to --processing--.

Signed and sealed this 29th day of May 1973.

'(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. I ROBERT GOTTSCHALK- Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. In an apparatus for processing a web of the kind provided with an engageable leading end, a web handling arrangement comprising: means for advancing the leading end of such a web to a predetermined location; means defining a processing solution applicator track for receiving such a web; means actuatable for engaging, at said predetermined location, the leading end of such a web and for drawing a web so engaged along said processing solution applicator track; and means for actuating said engaging and drawing means upon the leading end of such a web being advanced to said predetermined location.
 2. A web handling arrangement as recited in claim 1, wherein said engaging and drawing means includes: a towbar for engaging the leading end of such a web; a chain-drive secured to said towbar for drawing an engaged web along said processing solution applicator track; and drive means coupled to said chain-drive.
 3. A web handling arrangement as recited in claim 2, wherein said actuating means includes: a feeler member for detecting the leading end of such a web at said predetermined location; means for mounting said feeler member for movement between a web detecting position, wherein said feeler member is disposed at said predetermined location, and an idle position, wherein said feeler member is spaced from such a web; and means for moving said feeler member from said web detecting position to said idle position after said feeler member detects the leading end of such a web at said predetermined location.
 4. In An apparatus for processing a web of the kind provided with an engageable leading end, a web handling arrangement comprising: means for advancing the leading end of such a web to a first predetermined location; means defining a processing solution applicator track for receiving such a web; means actuatable for engaging, at said first predetermined location, the leading end of such a web and for drawing a web so engaged along said processing solution applicator track; means for actuating said engaging and drawing means upon the leading end of such a web being advanced to said first predetermined location; means for disengaging, from said engaging means, an engaged web which is drawn along said processing solution applicator track and for moving a web so disengaged to a second predetermined location; means for deactuating said engaging and drawing means after an engaged web is disengaged from said engaging said engaging means; and web take-up means disposed at said second predetermined location.
 5. A web handling arrangement as recited in claim 4, wherein said engaging and drawing means includes: a towbar for engaging the leading end of such a web; a chain secured to said towbar for drawing an engaged web along said process solution applicator track; and drive means coupled to said chain for moving said chain and said towbar at a first speed, and wherein said disengaging and moving means includes: an idler roller having a peripheral groove for receiving said towbar and said chain; a drive roller; means for supporting said idler roller and said drive roller in peripheral abutting relation to receive an engaged web, said towbar and said chain between said idler roller and said drive roller; and drive means for rotating said drive roller at a second speed developing a peripheral velocity which is greater than said first speed, whereby the leading end of an engaged web can be disengaged from said towbar.
 6. In an apparatus for processing a web, a web handling arrangement comprising: means actuatable for advancing a web, at a first speed, alongside a first predetermined location; means actuatable for moving a web, at a second speed which is less than said first speed, from said first predetermined location to a second predetermined location; means for actuating said advancing means and said moving means in a manner effecting a sag in a portion of a web which extends between said advancing means and said moving means; and means defining a processing solution applicator track for receiving a portion of a web in which a sag is effected by said actuating means.
 7. In an apparatus for processing a web of the kind provided with a leading end, a web handling arrangement comprising: means actuatable for advancing such a web, at first speed, to a first predetermined location; first means for actuating said advancing means; means for deactuating said advancing means upon the leading end of such a web being advanced to said first predetermined location; means for moving such a web, at a second speed which is less than said first speed, from said first predetermined location to a second predetermined location; second means for actuating said advancing means upon the leading end of such a web being moved from said first predetermined location to said second predetermined location and for, thereby, effecting a sag in a portion of a web which extends between said advancing means and said second predetermined location; and means defining a processing solution applicator track for receiving a portion of a web in which a sag is effected by said second actuating means.
 8. In an apparatus for processing a web of the kind provided with an engageable leading end, a web handling arrangement comprising: means actuatable for advancing such a web along a first feed path, at a first speed, to a first predetermined location; first means for actuating said advancing meanS; means for deactuating said advancing means upon the leading end of such a web being advanced along said first feed path to said first predetermined location; means for engaging, at said first predetermined location, the leading end of such a web and for drawing a web so engaged along a second feed path, at a second speed which is less than said first speed, to a second predetermined location; second means for actuating said advancing means upon the leading end of an engaged web being drawn along said second feed path to said second predetermined location and for, thereby, effecting a sag in a portion of an engaged web which extends between said advancing means and said second predetermined location; and means defining a processing solution applicator track, disposed substantially parallel to said second feed path, for receiving a portion of an engaged web in which a sag is effected by said second actuating means.
 9. A web handling arrangement as recited in claim 8, wherein said engaging and drawing means includes: a towbar for engaging the leading end of such a web; a chain-drive secured to said towbar for pulling said towbar and an engaged web along said second feed path to said second predetermined location; and drive means coupled to said chain-drive for moving said chain-drive and said towbar at said second speed.
 10. A web handling arrangement as recited in Claim 9, wherein said deactuating means includes: a feeler member for detecting the leading end of such a web at said first predetermined location; means for mounting said feeler member for movement between a web detecting position, wherein said feeler member is disposed at said first predetermined location, and an idle position, wherein said feeler member is spaced from said first feed path; and means for moving said feeler member from said web detecting position to said idle position after said feeler member detects the leading end of such a web at said first predetermined location.
 11. In an apparatus for processing a web of the kind provided with an engageable leading end, a web handling arrangement comprising: means actuatable for advancing such a web along a first feed path, at a first speed, to a first predetermined location; first means for actuating said advancing means; first means for deactuating said advancing means upon the leading end of such a web being advanced along said first feed path to said first predetermined location; means for engaging, at said first predetermined location, the leading end of such a web and for drawing a web so engaged along a second feed path, at a second speed which is less than said first speed, to a second predetermined location; second means for actuating said advancing means upon the leading end of an engaged web being drawn along said second feed path to said second predetermined location and for, thereby, effecting a sag in a portion of an engaged web which extends between said advancing means and said second predetermined location; means defining a processing solution applicator track, disposed substantially parallel to said second feed path, for receiving a portion of an engaged web in which a sag is effected by said second actuating means; second means for deactuating said advancing means after said second actuating means effects a sag in a portion of an engaged web; means for disengaging, from said engaging means, an engaged web in which a sag is effected by said second actuating means and for moving a web so disengaged along a third feed path to a third predetermined location; and web take-up means disposed at said third predetermined location.
 12. A web handling arrangement as recited in claim 11, wherein said engaging and drawing means includes: a towbar for engaging the leading end of such a web; a chain secured to said towbar for pulling said towbar and an engaged web along said second feed path to said second predetermined location; and drivE means coupled to said chain for moving said chain and said towbar at said second speed, and wherein said disengaging and moving means includes: an idler roller having a peripheral groove for receiving said towbar and said chain; a drive roller; means for supporting said idler roller and said drive roller in peripheral abutting relation to receive an engaged web, said towbar and said chain between said idler roller and said drive roller; and drive means for rotating said drive roller at a third speed developing a peripheral velocity which is greater than said second speed, whereby the leading end of an engaged web can be disengaged from said towbar.
 13. A web handling arrangement as recited in claim 11, wherein said advancing means includes: two rollers; means for mounting one of said rollers for movement toward and away from the other of said rollers between a web advancing position, wherein said rollers are disposed in peripheral abutting relation, and an idle position, wherein said rollers are disposed in spaced relation; and drive means for rotating one of said rollers at a third speed developing a peripheral velocity which is equal to said first speed, and wherein said second deactuating means includes: means for moving one of said rollers away from the other of said rollers from said web advancing position to said idle position. 